Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Sand for Seniors program seeks to reduce slippery walkways, fall risks

Poster for the Sand for Seniors program offered by the Hopkinton Senior Center.

Seniors who need help getting sand for their driveways and walkways this winter don’t have to worry — the Senior Center is here to help.

The Senior Center once again is running its Sand for Seniors program. Eligible households can get sand delivered directly to their homes for use during freezes and inclement weather.

“Hopefully [the sand] will help to prevent slips and falls,” said Jessica Fitch, assistant director for the Senior Center.

The program, which was modeled after those in neighboring communities, relies on existing resources the town provides.

“There’s free sand up at the Department of Public Works,” explained Fitch. “Anyone in the town is welcome to go fill up buckets.”

While the sand is accessible to all residents, seniors may have difficulty filling their buckets and moving them around. That’s where the Sand for Seniors program comes in. Someone will deliver filled buckets to seniors’ homes, placing them where they can be accessed easily.

One of the Senior Center’s partners in this effort is the Hopkinton Fire Department. Fitch says the department has been a “great help” and that the partnership offers a chance to further assist seniors.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to get out in the community and check in with seniors,” said Fitch. She cited instances of firefighters replacing smoke detectors and helping older residents mitigate fire risks as benefits of the cooperative effort.

Those looking for information on program eligibility and to request a sand bucket can contact the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.

Latest News

This holiday season, the Hopkinton Police Department and Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention are reminding residents about social host laws and the consequences of providing alcohol to minors.

This week’s Real Estate Transactions list shows five sales, four of which were over $1 million.

This week’s Library Corner features information on the Friends of the Library annual meeting, a Red Cross blood drive and a virtual talk from a New York Times bestselling author.

The Hopkinton Trails Club will host a group walk at Upton State Forest/Tamarack Farm on Saturday.

Town meetings tonight include the Parks & Recreation Commission (5:30).

Photo of the Day

Owner Alaina Chagnon (center, black shirt) poses for a photo with (from left) Meredith Beauregard, Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce representative Scott Richardson, Ariana Chagnon, Carmela Chagnon, Arthur Ciaramicoli and Rachel Cafery at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Swoon boutique shop’s grand reopening under new management on Saturday.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO